Thursday, February 14, 2013 - 2:40 pm

Happy Valentine's Day! Despite the commercializing of the holiday, and the huge emphasis on being in a relationship, which might drive singles to just be in any relationship at all rather than waiting for the right person, I think some of the trends we see on Valentine's Day deserve a closer look. For instance, thinking of someone else's desires before our own... that's biblical. How about doing and saying things that will please them? 1 Corinthians 7:33 says, "But a married man is concerned with... how he can please his wife." It assumes husbands will be trying to please their wives. Then there's the thought that gets thrown out there quite often at this time of year, which is that this sort of behaviour should be a year-round thing, not just one day a year. I'm sure many guys are thinking, "I can't afford cards, flowers and chocolate every day!" However, if we strip away the commercialism, the cultural gift-buying expectations, it's not only more feasible, but more enjoyable. Everyone gives roses, or chocolate, or a card on Valentine's Day, it's standard. It's expected, so as we looked at on Sunday with Pastor Kip's sermon, the expression of love can be overlooked. Everyone gives those things, but who takes the time to get to know someone and what makes them smile, and then goes and does that very thing for them on an unexpected day, as a pure expression of love, and not just because they're feeling pressured by culture? Who finds a unique way to express their love, that comes straight from their heart, costs nothing but time and creativity, and has a lasting value? Who is willing to be chivalrous in the best possible way, in a culture where chivalry is misunderstood? A godly man, that's who. For those guys who are married, may today be the beginning (or continuation) of a courageously sacrificial lifestyle. For those content and called to a single life, find out what pleases God and do that. (In fact, that should be something we all strive for.) And for those of us single guys who hope to have a valentine next year... why wait until then to be the kind of man she's looking for?
Happy Valiant Times Day!